A Sikh student was allegedly asked to remove his “kirpan” and “kara” (Sikh articles of faith) before sitting in the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) – 2017 held at Mahavir Public School in Jaipur (Rajasthan) on Sunday.

A Sikh student was allegedly asked to remove his “kirpan” and “kara” (Sikh articles of faith) before sitting in the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) – 2017 held at Mahavir Public School in Jaipur (Rajasthan) on Sunday.

Taking strong note of the incident, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Kirpal Singh Badungar said an Amritdhari (baptized) Sikh, Jaswinder Singh, was told to remove his articles of faith before entering the examination hall. Terming it an act of suppressing the Sikhs, he sought strict action against those responsible for the act. The SGPC has also shot off a letter to Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia to look into the matter.

“Sikhs are still treated outsiders despite their contribution in country’s freedom struggle and nation building. He said kakars (Sikh articles of faith — kesh (uncut hair), kangha (wooden comb), kara (a metal bracelet), kashehra (a type of undergarment), kirpan (a dagger) —are integral parts of Sikh code conduct. It is mandatory for every baptized Sikh to wear kakars. Asking any Sikhs to remove the kakars is violation of his religious freedom,” said Badungar.

“The victim Sikh had to face mental harassment for which the examination staff is responsible. The student was allowed to sit in the exam after SGPC officials intervened,” said Badungar.